WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- The first ladies of the United States and Pakistan launched on Thursday a website on Pakistani art, describing it as a vehicle of diplomacy.

"Learning about other cultures and countries is at the heart of diplomacy," Laura Bush, wife of U.S. President George W. Bush, said in a statement.

"By learning about Pakistani music, literature and theater we also learn about the people of Pakistan and their rich heritage," she said.

Introducing Pakistan's tradition and culture, Begum Sehba Musharraf, wife of Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf, said "Diversity has been the essence of our people and traditions."

"The people of Pakistan are making a real contribution in preserving the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the country. These can be seen in our art, architecture and literature," she said.

The two first ladies enjoyed a sitar recital in Washington during the ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which sponsored the website, along with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts.

The website, www.artsedge.kennedy-center.org/pakistan, is called Gift of the Indus: The Arts and Culture of Pakistan.

Washington-area high school students were invited to attend the ceremony.

Pakistan has been one of important U.S. allies in South Asia since the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington. Enditem